Teams from the California Credit Union League, Orange County Teachers FCU, and Water & Power Community CU climbed 1,500 steps in a fundraiser for the benefit of the Stuart M. Ketchum Downtown YMCA.
Participants in the 11th annual "Stair Climb to the Top" scaled 75 floors from the sidewalk to the roof of the U.S. Bank Tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. More than 1,000 people participated, including two, four-person teams from downtown L.A.-based Water & Power Community CU, and two teams that included representatives from the CCUL and Orange County Teachers FCU.
Carl Stewart, CEO of Water & Power Community CU, said he was on his sixth "campaign." "I know every one of those 1,500 steps," he said.
Henry Kertman, director of public relations for the league, made it to the top, as did his son and daughter, Evan and Shannyn. It was Kertman's fourth climb, while the younger Kertmans, who are members of OCTFCU, made the trek for the first time.
"I blame Carl Stewart for getting me into this," Kertman said with a smile after the climb. "But it's great to be able to support a worthwhile cause while at the same time challenging yourself to see what kind of strength and stamina you have."
"And I survived," he added.
